What Is an African Safari Like?

Early Morning Magic: The Dawn Game Drive

The rhythm of safari life begins early. With the first light of dawn, the bush comes alive with the songs of birds and the rustling of nocturnal creatures retiring for the day. The morning game drive, typically starting before sunrise, is a key moment to experience the African wilderness. This is when the air is cool, and animals are most active. Predators, like lions and leopards, are winding down after a night of hunting, and grazers such as antelope and buffalo head to waterholes to quench their thirst.

Why so early?

Predators are often on the move at dawn, finishing off the last remains of their nocturnal meals, while other animals begin their day with a quest for water and food. Missing the morning drive is missing the magic of the bush at its most vibrant. If you're worried about your teenager who loves to sleep in until noon, rest assured they'll surprise you with their enthusiasm for early mornings on safari. Richard from the UK, who travelled with us in July 2024, shared:

"Even the early starts were no problem due to the excitement of the day ahead! My 20-year-old son, who is not the best at getting up before midday, was up on time—just...!"

It's amazing how the promise of exciting wildlife sightings can transform night owls into early birds!

Good to know:

• Your safari lodge staff or guide will let you know exactly when to expect that friendly wake-up call each morning, so you're always prepared for your early adventure.
• Private concessions and conservancies offer more flexibility with start times, while national parks and reserves follow set gate opening hours, which means less wiggle room for morning game drives.
• For hot air balloon safaris, pre-dawn starts are the norm, as calm morning winds create the best flying conditions.
• No matter where you are, mornings in the African bush can be chilly—so dress in layers you can peel off as the sun warms up the day!

Mid-Morning Retreat: Breakfast and Downtime

After a thrilling morning drive, return to the camp or lodge for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a delicious spread while exchanging stories with fellow guests about the morning's sightings. Then, as the sun climbs higher, the pace slows down, offering a chance to relax. Take a swim, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply retreat to your deck to absorb the sights and sounds of the African bush.

This is the time when many animals seek shelter from the sun's harsh rays, retreating to shady spots under trees or rocky outcrops. Elephants often gather in the shade, using their large ears to fan themselves and stay cool, while big cats like lions lounge under thick bushes or atop termite mounds, conserving energy for their next hunt. It's the perfect moment to recharge at your camp or dive into a good book about the local wildlife, soaking up knowledge that will deepen your appreciation for the fascinating creatures you'll encounter during your next game drive.

For those who don't want to miss a second of being immersed in the bush, this might be the perfect time to join a walking safari or birdwatching session. These activities provide an opportunity to learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem that often go unnoticed during game drives. Your guide will reveal fascinating insights into everything from termite mounds to the medicinal uses of local plants.

Good to know:

• Not all camps or lodges offer walking safaris, and availability can depend on the season.
• Your Africa Safari Specialist will help fine-tune your itinerary and confirm if this activity is possible during your stay.
• To avoid walking in the heat, some lodges may suggest forgoing the early morning game drive.
• If a bush walk is on the cards, be sure to pack closed shoes and long trousers in earth tones—your guide will thank you!

Afternoon Leisure: Unwind and Explore

The heat of midday offers a quiet interlude. Some guests use this time to edit photos or take a nap. Your afternoon activities will vary depending on your choice of accommodation. If you have something specific in mind, speak with your Africa Safari Specialist about lodges that offer on-site spa treatments, family-friendly activities, or guided nature trails. Keep in mind that not all lodges have features like swimming pools or gym facilities, so it's best to share your preferences to find the perfect match for your stay.

If your lodge has a library, media centre, or a guide on hand, now's a good opportunity to deepen your understanding of the ecosystem. Don't be shy to ask the guide questions. Most guides we know are passionate about sharing their love of wildlife and nature with their guests. For them, it's not just a job—it's a calling.

This is your chance to connect with someone who lives and breathes the bush. From sharing stories about tracking elusive predators to recounting personal encounters with Africa's most iconic animals, these guides have a wealth of knowledge that goes beyond textbooks and documentaries. Spending time with a true expert adds a whole new layer to your safari experience, making it as memorable as the game drives themselves.

Good to know:

• On our scheduled Kruger Park safaris, lunch is for your own account, but many guests have mentioned that after the indulgent mid-morning brunch, they often prefer to skip lunch and save room for the evening feast.
• Some safari lodges and camps may also choose to skip lunch if guests had a late bush brunch. If an early breakfast was served, lunch is typically available around midday.
• Don't forget—there's often high tea and afternoon game drive refreshments still to come. Most guests are pleasantly surprised by how exceptional the food is on safari and often joke about the "souvenirs" they take home: a few extra pounds from all the delicious meals!

Afternoon High Tea: Prepping for the Evening Drive

As the sun begins its descent, it's time to gear up for the afternoon game drive. This often begins with the tradition of high tea—a nod to the leisurely days of early explorers. Sip tea or enjoy light snacks while getting excited about the possibilities of the afternoon adventure.

Not all safari lodges or camps offer high tea as part of their daily routine, so if this is something you'd love to experience, be sure to mention it to your Africa Safari Specialist. They'll recommend properties that include this delightful tradition—a wonderful way to refuel with sweet and savoury treats before the afternoon game drive.

When preparing for the afternoon drive in winter, make sure to pack gloves, a beanie, a scarf, and a warm, windproof jacket. The temperatures drop rapidly as the sun starts its descent. For guests on our Kruger safaris, we have warm blankets on board to snuggle under. The drive will include a sundowner stop at a scenic spot, where you can soak in the magic of the African sunset.

Sundowner Tradition: The Afternoon Game Drive

The afternoon drive is another window into the lives of Africa's wildlife. As the sun starts to dip, animals like giraffes and zebras reappear from their shaded hideaways and Africa's nocturnal world begins to stir. Many smaller predators, owls, and bush babies become active, offering a completely different perspective of the wilderness.

Sunset, often referred to as the 'golden hour', is a magical time when the African landscape is bathed in warm, soft light, making it one of the best moments to capture photographs. This is when the bush truly shines, with vivid colours and dramatic shadows enhancing the textures of the land. Whether you're photographing a silhouetted acacia tree against the glowing sky or zooming in on the last traces of light reflecting in an elephant's eye, this is your chance to capture Africa at its most breathtaking.

As the afternoon winds down and the temperature begins to cool, it's time for the cherished sundowner tradition. Your guide will find the perfect spot to stop, and a small table is set up with a variety of refreshments. While a classic gin and tonic is often the drink of choice on safari—refreshing, crisp, and paired with a wedge of lime—an ice-cold beer or cider is just as enjoyable. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, freshly made fruit juices, sparkling water, and soft drinks are always on hand. The essence of the sundowner is less about the drink and more about taking a moment to pause, sip, and watch the sun dip below the horizon as the evening chorus of the bush comes alive around you.

In private concessions or conservancies, the adventure doesn't end here. You might continue with a night drive, scanning for elusive creatures like porcupines, aardvarks, or even a leopard on the prowl under cover of darkness.

Dinner Under the Stars: Culinary Delights and Campfire Tales

Dinner on safari is usually a multi-course experience, often served around a crackling campfire in a boma (an open-air dining area, often surrounded by a low fence made of natural materials like reeds or branches) under a canopy of stars. It's a chance to savour the flavours of Africa, accompanied by local wines or traditional dishes. As you dine, the sounds of the bush create a natural soundtrack—an occasional roar of a lion, the distant whoop of a hyena, or the soft grunts of hippos.